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There is probably no other region in Italy that is as rich in history, culturally important and scenic as Sicily. Many important cultures have left their marks here, for example the Greeks, whose temples can still be seen all over the island. Romans, Arabs and Normans, too, had an influence on the island and it's inhabitants. Today, Sicily is a popular holiday destination, not only because of it's beautiful landscape and long sandy beaches. The region around Catania, which is the second largest town of the island, is especially well-known. The town's landmark, the elephant fountain, and the Piazza del Duomo are very impressive. The Etna, which the Sicilians call the "mountain of mountains", is quite close to Catania. For naturelovers and hikers, the area around the vulcano is like paradise. Driving along the coast from Catania to the north, one passes the enchanting town of Taormina and then reaches Sicily's north-eastern part. There lies the important seaport of Messina, from where it is only a distance of a few kilometers to the Italian mainland. The capital of Sicily, Palermo, which was founded by the Phoenicians, is located on the northern coast. The Old Town with the Normans's palace, the Cappella Palatina and the Archeological Museum is well worth seeing. A trip to Monreale, from where one can enjoy fantastic views of the bay of Palermo, or to Cefalù, a small town with well-preserved medieval structures, is also worthwhile. In the north-west, around the nice town of Castellamare del Golfo, one will find beautiful sandy beaches. The famous Valle dei Templi is located close to Agrigento at the southern coast. It is part of the UNESCO world heritage and is an impressive evidence of ancient Greek architecture. The countryside of the island, too, has a lot to offer. The village of Pietraperzia, for example, attracts many visitors with it's famous library.

Getting there: Scheduled or charter flights to Palermo or Catania and rental car; own car